BU MS + Mass General Hospital DI Partnership
Program Overview
The BU MS+ Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) combines BU’s prestigious graduate degree with one of the oldest and most competitive dietetic internships (DI) in the country.
With BU faculty support, students build their own MS concentration around five required courses (Biostatistics, Nutritional Epidemiology, Metabolic Regulation, Nutrition & Disease Prevention or Life Course Approach to Community Nutrition, Nutrition Research), in an area of their interest. Sample MS concentrations include counseling, sports nutrition, public health, food policy, nutrition research, media/communications, clinical nutrition.
During the MS+DI application process, applicants can elect to be considered for our partnership program with the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Dietetic Internship (DI). See below for further instructions on how to apply. Students enrolled in this program will first complete their MS in Nutrition at BU, followed by a DI at MGH. Learn more about the MGH DI.
The BU MS + MGH DI partnership spans 23-months and allows enrolled students to begin their guaranteed MGH DI in September following the completion of the MS curriculum in May. The MGH DI hones teamwork, critical thinking, and motivation, and encourages independent thought and an entrepreneurial spirit while fostering initiative, creativity and professionalism. Projects within each DI rotation are designed to engage you in current advancements within the hospital and explore research and trends within the nutrition field.
Please note that enrolled students are responsible for all MGH costs associated with the DI.
Applicants admitted to our MS+DI program are guaranteed a merit-based scholarship.
For a brief introduction to this unique partnership program, we encourage you to view this pre-recorded webinar presented by Marijane Staniec (Senior Lecturer and DI Director, BU) and Patricia Engel (Dietetic Internship Director, MGH):
Program Structure
| Fall (September entry) | Spring | |
| Year 1 | MS Semester 1 at BU – September | MS Semester 2 at BU – finish in May |
| Year 2 | Begin DI at MGH – September | Complete 44 week DI – July |
| # of Weeks | Rotation |
| 12 weeks | Inpatient Clinical / Acute Care |
| 7 weeks | Ambulatory and Community |
| 9 weeks | Food Service Systems Management |
| 1 week | Research |
| 3 weeks | Business Plan |
| 6 weeks | Concentration Rotation – interns select an area of interest to further their knowledge, skill, and independence |
| 4 weeks | Staff Relief |
| 1 week / 1 week | Orientation / Vacation |
How to Apply
Prospective students interested in this partnership program should follow the standard DICAS BU MS+DI application instructions and apply by October 8. In addition, applicants for this program must:
- Within the Questions tab of the Program Materials section of the application, select the BU MS + MGH DI partnership program when prompted.
After selecting this partnership program, applicants will be prompted to provide a personal statement for the MGH DI. The selection committee rates each applicant according to specific criteria as evidenced through the applicant’s personal letter, references, work, volunteer experience and grades. The content of the personal letter and the references play a major role in how an applicant is rated. We are most concerned with how an applicant demonstrates strength in the selection areas, not a specific GPA. Any applicant who can demonstrate strong preparation in these areas, and describe how well he/she meets these criteria will be given complete consideration.
- Conceptual Ability: Quality of written and oral expression; ability to master new information and skills; ability to understand complex new theory and to translate theory into practice.
- Overall Preparation: Relevance and quality of the applicant’s previous educational experiences in school, in work and in extracurricular activities; professionally related courses and electives taken; refresher and/or advanced study done.
- Self-Direction: Ability to set goals, organize own activities and work independently.
- Leadership Ability: Formal recognition of leadership through election to office and honors, and informal recognition by peers and others at school, work and in extracurricular and community activities.
- Ability to Perform Under Pressure: Flexibility; ability to set priorities; ability to set goals and organize work; physical stamina; and ability to remain reasonably calm under stress. Overall load carried by student during college (academic, work, extracurricular, family or community responsibilities.)
- Interpersonal Skills: Realistic self-confidence; ability to sense the mood and concerns of others; appropriate use and interpretation of both verbal and non-verbal communications; ability to adapt to a variety of people and situations; and concern for the well-being of others.
Selected students are admitted simultaneously to the BU MS + MGH DI.
Questions?
If you have questions about the academic portion of BU MS + MGH DI partnership program, please contact Marijane Staniec. For questions about the internship portion of this program, please contact Patricia Engel.